CHESTER'S largest provider of social housing has sent a clear message to tenants suffering anti-social behaviour.

It comes with the Chester and District Housing Trust signing up to the Government's respect standard for housing management.

The standard requires social landlords to take an upfront approach to tackling anti social issues and promoting good behaviour.

The trust has agreed to a number of commitments including taking a leading role in dealing with anti-social behaviour, working with the local authority and the police and providing support and protection for witnesses and victims.

'As Chester's largest provider of social housing we have a responsibility to our tenants to do everything we can to create safe and strong communities and building respect and understanding is fundamental to that process,' said trust chief executive John Denny.

'By signing up to the respect standard we want to send a clear message to our residents that we are here to help.'

The standard was signed by Mr Denny at the trust's sixth annual residents' conference.

Its main commitments involve the trust being accountable on issues of anti-social behaviour.

It is required to reassure residents and endeavour to prevent anti-social behaviour and intervene quickly when it does take place.

The trust should also provide support in tackling the causes of anti-social behaviour.

The event was run in partnership with the TRAIL Federation for residents' groups across the district.

Social housing tenants from across the north west and Wales attended, taking part in workshops and presentations on issues including anti-social behaviour and neighbourliness.